Capitol Corridor shatters ridership records

For the third consecutive month, double-digit ridership increases continue on Capitol Corridor trains as an improving economy and rising fuel costs help to fill train seats.

“As gasoline prices soar, more and more drivers are seeking affordable ways to travel, not only to save gas, but to avoid exorbitant parking fees and increased bridge tolls as well,” said Bob Franklin, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority chairman, in a news release.

In March, 148,198 passengers boarded Capitol Corridor trains compared to 133,987 during the same period last year.

“As gasoline creeps above $4 a gallon, 11 percent more Northern California travelers made the choice to dump the pump and ride the rails instead,” Franklin added. “We anticipate this scenario will have similar results as 2008, when gas prices skyrocketed and public transit reached an all time high. Despite the sharp gas price decrease in 2009, Capitol Corridor ridership did not follow suit, meaning many of those who made the choice in 2008 to try our trains, stayed on trains.”

The Capitol Corridor serves 16 stations from Placer County to the Bay Area. An extensive, dedicated motorcoach network provides bus connections to the train. Together, these systems serve the second-largest urban service area in the Western U.S.

In July 1998, the management of the service was transferred to the CCJPA, which oversees the service with day-to-day management and staff support from San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART). The CCJPA partners with Amtrak, Union Pacific Railroad, Caltrans and the communities comprising the CCJPA. For more information, visit http://capitolcorridor.org.